Young Trees at www.japanese-home-gardens.com

Habitat: Holes in hollow trees and stumps, in holes under roots of trees, in old ground dens, in old abandoned buildings, usually in vicinity of water, about swampy or wet lowlands Reproduction: i or 2 litters a year, depending upon range; number of young may be as many as 20; born in embryonic state, about Y2 inch long but able to find way, unassisted, through mother's fur to brood pouch; each embryo that finds a teat grasps it; those that do not, die; young remain attached until sufficiently developed to move in and out of pouch

TREES are the most conspicuous and permanent landscape vegetation. Because of this, and because it costs much to plant large ones and takes long to mature young trees, give much care to selecting and placing them. Great effort is worthwhile to preserve existing specimens provided they are suitable kinds, not dangerously decayed or debilitated and located where they fit into the garden plan. Often, it pays to change a plan to favor valuable trees. Relocating a proposed driveway, modifying a scheme that calls for violent alterations in grade or some other accommodation may be possible.

In a rustic garden the trees should be fruit trees wherever possible, or at least blossom trees of some kind. Apples, pears, plums, and cherries will all help to create the right atmosphere, as will nut trees such as hazel or almond. If there is space for a large tree, a Walnut might do.